Ways of Destiny

Epilogue

Epilogue

My heart is beating so fast just by looking at the building in front of me. A building that I successfully engineered. Hindi ko akalaing may itataas pa pala ang aking ulo. I thought I just excelled in the field of writing, but look at me now... an admired Engr. Elisha Clara Llanera.

Napangiti ako at kinilig sa tagumpay ng first project ko as an engineer. Iba talaga ang isang Elisha Clara Llanera! Feeling ko oras na talaga para pakasalan ko ang sarili ko. I mean, is there anyone deserving for me? Wala! Kaya sarili ko na lang ang jojowain ko!

"Congratulations, Engr. Inday!" The nurse said coming towards me with two glasses of wine. She gives me one and the other is for her. I chuckled and clicked our glass before sipping my wine.

"Nakakahiya, Nari. Ang sosyal pakinggan ng Engineer tapos inday lang! Tsaka ngayon lang ako nakakita ng naka nurse uniform na nagaala bartender ah." sabi ko kaya natawa siya. Ako naman ay suot ang dusty pink one shoulder dress and my black engineer boots.

"But this nurse you're talking to left the hospital just to come here and support the blessing of your project's success. Puyat pa ko 'no," she said sarcastically as she took another sip of wine.

"Thank you, Nari... for always being there." mahinang sabi ko habang nakatingin sa building at sa payapang kalangitan. Tila ba nagkakasiyahan din ang mga ibon na lumilipad sa bagong tayong building.

After he left me with a promise of returning, I became lost in the chapters of my own story. I thought I would never be able to return to the person I was before he took over my narrative. However, thanks to my family, Nari, and the people who love me, I am slowly finding my way back. I hope this journey continues until I reach home.

Pero paano ko mahahanap ang tahanan ko kung sa simula pa lang ay wala na siya dito?

"I can see a glimpse of longing in your eyes, day. Ano ka ba! Ang araw na 'to ay para sa'yo, you shouldn't be sad, okay?! And yes, I'll always be here for you, katulad mo noon sa'kin, you are always there for me, shay. Kung kailangan mong mag-absent sa school para tulungan akong mag-alaga kay Aeliana, you did! At walang hanggan kong ibabalik yun hanggang sa kaya ko, Elisha. You deserve the love and everything this world could offer..." Nari said and hugged me.

Napangiti ako. Five years later, Nari has blossomed into a stunning nurse and is currently pursuing her studies in medical school to become an OB-GYN. Ang galing, diba? Ito yung batang ina noon, tumutulong na ngayon sa mga batang ina.

"Mommy, tara na! Lowla is finding you two na! Lalo ka na, Tita shay, gagalit na po si lowla!" Natawa ako nang pinuntahan na kami ni Aeliana na limang taon na rin ngayon at napakaarte kung magsalita! Kabaliktaran siya ng nanay niya.

Kamukha-kamukha siya ni Nari. Yumakap siya sa bewang ni Nari habang nakatingin sa'kin. She's wearing a white dress and her hair is tied into a pig tail.

"Sinundo na tayo, shay." natatawang sabi ni Nari at tiningnan ang anak niya. "Ikaw ah, nakarating ka na dito, nasaan ang daddy mo at makakatikim sa'kin dahil pinababayaan kang maglakad mag-isa, mamaya madapa ka, maraming bato dito! Once na madapa ka Aeliana, papangit ka na! Do you want that, baby?" si Nari na sinesermunan ang anak.

Umiling naman si Aeliana habang nakapout. "Ayaw po, mommy... Tita, gagalit si Mommy, hanap lang naman ko kayo e," Pinisil ko ang kanyang pisngi sa panggigigil sa kacutan niya. Bakit kaya hindi ganito kacute si Elena?!

"EA! Where are you—hi, ilongga ko." Napangiwi na lang si Jerou nang makita ang nakamamatay na tingin ni Nari nang makita siya. Napakamot siya sa ulo habang palapit sa mag-ina niya.

"Wala kang kwentang ama talaga, Jerou!" biro ko na natatawa. Pinandilatan niya ko ng mata na binelatan ko lang. Kumapit sa'kin si Aeliana. "Panget ng tatay mo 'no?" sabi ko sa batang nakadungaw sa'kin.